Budget Shell Games Are Contrary to Law

Congressional rules require public proposals and specific numbers that can be openly debated.

By

Michael W. McConnell

July 14, 2011

After sending up a budget in February that would only add to government spending and deficits, President Obama has now come around to the view that "it is a moral imperative to tackle our debt and deficits in a serious way." Both sides have to make sacrifices, he says. It is time to "eat our peas." The president's evident purpose is to put the blame on Republicans for failing to come to an agreement.

But the absence of any written budgetary documents and the closed-door nature of the negotiating...